SHOT: A sign that has been vandalised by a shooter.
THE “No Hunting in National Parks” rally crosses party political lines, say the organisers of the rally to be held in Bega.
The organisers of the No Hunting in National Parks rally and march in Bega on Friday have decided to have no formal speakers on behalf of political parties at the rally.
Organisers say this is an issue that crosses party political boundaries. Rally organiser Paul Farrell said, “This is an opportunity for the community to speak.”
“The message we are getting is that there is very broad-based opposition to having amateur hunters in national parks,” Mr Farrell said. “We want all political parties to listen to the community,” he said.
“Politicians have lots of platforms to get their views known. This is a rally that has come from a strong feeling in the community that allowing amateur, recreational hunting in national parks is a bad decision,” Mr Farrell said.
Another organiser, Richard Barcham, said that all political parties are invited to send representatives and their presence will be welcomed and acknowledged.
“But mostly we invite members of the public, whatever their political persuasion, to attend if they are concerned about having recreational shooters using firearms in national parks,” Mr Barcham said.
The speakers for the rally will include the local delegate for the Public Service Association, which represents workers in protected areas, a local representative of the community-based National Parks Association and speakers on behalf of local community views from the Bega Valley and as far as Narooma.
“Make your own sign and bring it along,” rally organiser Richard Barcham said.
“The No Hunting rally and march is in Bega at 12noon on Friday, gathering at Ayres Walkway. The Commissioner of Police has granted permission for us to peacefully march to the office of Andrew Constance at 12.30pm to deliver our message,” Mr Barcham said.